California Employment News: SB 513 and Personnel File Requirements
Published: January 13, 2026
In this episode of California Employment News, Weintraub Tobin attorneys Meagan Bainbridge and Nikki Mahmoudi break down SB 513, a new law that clarifies what documents must be included in an employee’s personnel file which came into effect on January 1, 2026.
In this episode, they cover:
- What SB 513 changes about personnel file contents
- Which records employees have the right to inspect and copy under Labor Code Section 1198.5
- The new requirement to include education and training records
- What details training records must contain, including trainer information, dates, and certifications
- Penalties and attorneys’ fees employers may face for failing to timely comply
- Best practices for record retention following termination or non-hire
Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel or listen to this podcast episode here.